Operation Overdrive: Obscured Fate!

Chapter 10: Proving Resilience!

~~Andrew~~

Cheers, and laughter, filled the air as the group of six was seen running to Andrew in the doorway. Upon their approach, he stepped closer and placed his hands on his hips. "Nice job team!"

"It was exciting to watch if I do say so myself!" Spencer chimed in with his professional butler tone shining through his voice.

"They set them up and we knock them down!" Dax's positive comment made his friends laugh and agree.

"But, hey — we couldn't have done it without Tyzonn!" Ronny piped up next, and soon, everyone began to cheer for the blonde as he made his way up the small steps.

Andrew watched the group pat him on the back a few times, with a 'Welcome to the team, buddy!' from the girl in yellow. Hartford's brows knitted questionably when he saw Tyzonn awkwardly move his gaze about. He was hoping the man would be happier now that the Fearcats were gone.

"I... I thought I'd feel better..." The blonde began, which made Andrew glance at Spencer confusedly and back to him. "Somehow relieved that the Fearcats are gone... But -" he paused momentarily and watched his blue eyes avert for a millisecond. "But I don't."

"You... Are... Part of the team, right?" Questioned Will from behind, who Andrew could see was as visibly confused as everyone else.

With a subtle shake of his head, Tyzonn answered with a 'No.' and it dropped most of the hopes the Rangers and Andrew had of him joining. "I'm sorry, my friends. My mission is complete. The Fearcats are gone – now... I must go too," he added.

~~Flurious~~

After the chat with his brother a while ago, he couldn't stop thinking about the interesting frost that coated the Assassin's fingers before and the strange tendrils he saw come out of her back during her tantrum outside. However, upon a familiar voice, his head perked and snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Master!" Norg approached Frosty the Snowman with the Fearcat's corpses being dragged across the floor by their feet.

"Well – well! Look what the cat dragged in!" From his throne, stood Flurious with a pleased grin. Excitement glinted in his icy blues at the sight of new test subjects. And from a slight chuckle, he continued, "I guess they're not as powerful as I thought!" Finally, he can continue his endeavors.

"No! But they'll make great cat rugs!" As the Yeti released their feet, he rambled on and went from one spot to another mentioning his ideas for the placements of the rugs.

To say Flurious was interested would be a lie, for his mouth closed and his eyes narrowed irritably at the fluffball's words. "No! Over-sized guinea pig!" With a kick to Norg's hand making him wince and shaking his limb, he watched him stand. "These aren't rugs, they're powerful warriors!" Anger laced his words when he yelled just to calm down when he began to approach the corpses. "They just need a little more...Power.~" The mischief in his eyes proved his amusement if the faint chuckle didn't mean anything.

Kneeling and reaching down, the Gyros were phased into their vessels. Their bodies convulsed, glowed, and emitted electricity as bright as violet. "That's right... Take my power! Become my servants! Hahahaha!" Pure excitement washed over him at the idea of having minions at his disposal. More to serve under him the more power he has in his grasp. As he relished in the idea, the two cats were lifted to their feet within a small dispersal of electricity, and their confusion was evident.

"What happened?" The tiger male questioned.

"Where are we?" Mig was just as bewildered as his buddy, which Flurious was already aware of.

"I'm... Flurious!" If he had spent more time on his grand introduction, he would've sounded more intimidating, yet it didn't seem to faze the cats hardly. "I saved you and now I'm your new master." He paused for a second. "Go to San Angeles and destroy the Power Rangers for good!" With power behind his words, his voice boomed throughout the throne room.

"Yes, Master." Of course, Mr. Jack Frost didn't notice, but the Fearcats acted as though they put up an act when they bowed their heads and spoke in unison.

The moment Flurious turned away with an aggressive grunt, it was difficult to understand their faint ramblings. There was no point in paying attention to them, for his thoughts were soon clouded with the Assassin's mystery.

Now, then... What were those tendrils? And that ice on her fingers?He pondered and then paused in front of his icicle throne, humming curiously.What my brother and I discussed, was interesting, to say the least.Adding to his thoughts, the ice crunched beneath his shoes when he turned and sat in his seat.

Moltor had told him his theories about her skin that changed and the mentions of tendrils had piqued his brother's attention, which brought them to the conclusion of their next plan. "It's my brother's turn to invite her. I wonder how he will pull it off... When the Elite gave me a bit of trouble as-is... Knowing him, he probably won't take the smarter route." Aloud, he spoke and chuckled at the possible failure he'd have. Capturing the Elite was a bonus, but a Spy would probably be enough to lure her and that's what Moltor had decided on before their chat came to an end. "I can't wait to watch him fail! Hahaha!" The imagery of humiliating his brother was enough to make him laugh.

~~Hyne~~

What's taking him so long?Annoyance clouded her mind as she began to trek the staircase back to the main floor. The grip on her Stake blade tightened, it was never sheathed after he left.

This prick better not be stalling our conversation over something ridiculous!Raged the goth on the inside. The thought of him trying to find a way out of their talk would only make him look like a coward in her eyes and it irked her more.

Amid her exploration of the house, she paused at the sight of the group of six and Andrew in the living room. Andrew and Spencer's backs were all she saw near the Rangers, but nothing was said until a couple of seconds later.

"Tyzonn's made his decision. He doesn't want to join us." Iseldur's head tilted slightly to listen more, with gradual steps bringing her a tad closer to the group. Her soundless footfalls hardly stirred anyone's attention except Tyzonn when he did a double-take before answering.

"Iwantto join the team – I just... I can't. " Hesitance was evident in the blonde's words when she saw his denying hand gesture.

With a slight huff and movements with her hands, Ronny asked as calmly as possible. "Why not?"

Iseldur halted a few feet away from Andrew's and Spencer's backsides to continue listening in, on the group. Slowly, her blade returned to her sheath and sighed quietly enough for no one to hear.

After the goth saw him rub the jewel on his wristband made of metal, he continued. "Many years ago..." he began, sentiment and longing clouding his blue eyes when they averted. "I was a part of an elite team." An emotional, quiet pause ensued until he added, "We were... Intergalactic Emergency Responders. Best in the Galaxy. But then..." He trailed again for another pause. "One day, something terrible happened." As if memories resurfaced, his eyes hazed over with pain and reflected guilt that Isledur could only assume stemmed from self-blame or something else.

"We were called to a Cave-In. Innocent people were caught in the rubble. I... Sent my team into the cave on a search-and-rescue mission. I stayed outside and searched for other injured people... They came out carrying the Cavers with them. One was... Very upset." Some silence provided him a bit of time to steel himself. The regret continued to reflect in his gaze as he gave everyone a firm stare.

"Now... I heard of these Evil Fearcats and they're vicious. They were looking for an energy source to release their army. That's why they were blasting the cave from the inside! But my job was to rescue everybody, not just the innocents! So..." Sighing and clenching a fist, he looked down at his knees bent over the edge of his seat. "I sent my team back in. Assuming that the Fearcats were trapped inside." Isledur cocked her head subtly and folded her arms, listening curiously.

Despite her not caring for conversations much, there wasn't any choice but to listen if she and Andrew were going to talk later. "That's when I saw them. The Fearcats weren't in the cave anymore. They escaped somehow..." There it was again, a distant look in his eyes when he thought back on the tragic memory. "I shouldn't have sent my team back in." Sighing, he continued. "It's my fault, that they are lost. Rescuing - It was my life. But I will never jeopardize another team. I'm sorry..." After the lengthy explanation, Hyne watched the blonde stand and walk around the group to leave.

The goth barely turned her head at his passing to see him. His words had brought back a memory she didn't want to recall. Where she had to stand before several warriors from her old master who had killed a small group of innocent people in their way and ended up returning the favor. Just to be scolded by the very woman who had taken her in long ago.It's different when you're doing it with your own hands. Killing your own team because they overstepped their limits in the contract... Pieces of dumb sh-before she could ponder any further, her arms lowered when she saw Andrew turn around to watch the blonde leave.

"Oh... Y- You came up." Andrew hesitated and nervously folded his arms. It quickly grew quiet once everyone looked at her and stood up.

One minute at most had passed until the blonde broke it. "I- I'll go catch up to Tyzonn!" Despite the tense silence that began to build, Ronny bolted and gave Isledur a side glance before leaving. Hyne was able to see it, even for a mere moment, the worry etched on her face said it all.

Now that she was gone and the rest of the Rangers cautiously watched her, Iseldur grumbled lowly to herself. To her, it was like a bunch of prey watching her and waiting to see if she'd strike. They wouldn't be wrong to think that way.They have a right to be wary of me... These kids.Her hidden eyes examined each one as she pondered before they met brown ones closest to her.

"Please, trust us. Throughout generations, there have been many threats to the planet and many Power Rangers varying in age." Andrew began with a gulp of nervous spit and kept a firm stare on her expecting gaze.

"Who's the one who decided that shi-" Every time she ever tried to swear, there would always be interruptions and only sometimes she'd get away with it. But this time, Rose had cut in before she could finish her deep, growled, and infuriated question.

"Since an old wise sage long ago, started it. His name was Zordon and during that timeline, he believed picking teenagers with attitude was the best course of action." The pinky explained. Iseldur could see a concerned but frightened glint in her eyes as she did and remained quiet for her to continue. "They were called the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. And... They defeated the most terrifying threat Earth has ever encountered before... Lord Zedd and Reita Repulsa." There was almost an inspirational twinkle in her gaze when she mentioned the History of the Might Morphin Power Rangers, it didn't go unnoticed by the goth.

So, basically, since the very beginning... He picked kids instead of fully developed adults?Her finger tapped rhythmically when she thought about the whole thing. The silence among them kept everyone anticipated. "Lord Zedd... He sounds familiar. It's weird how kids with attitude managed to defeat a fully grown male and whoever Rita was... But, they probably just kept getting lucky." She started with an annoyed grumble beneath her breath. "Sadly - It requires more than mere attitude to get by in a fight. You need experience, skill, and resolve. You need training, both for the mind and body... I'm sure there have been other Power Rangers who have trained before becoming one. But to throw kids in, who possibly haven't? They would be asking for adamndeath wish..." Dangerously and slowly, her attention moved to Andrew, who she saw take in a deep breath and avert his eyes.

"I... I understand your concern. I really do." Andrew lifted a hand and anxiously but gently, grasped her shoulder. "But these kids here... They have fought and won many battles so far. Please..." Almost pleadingly, he explained. "B- But enough about us. What about you?" After he asked, the goth looked at his hand on her shoulder and breathed in through her nose. The proximity caused heat to rush to her cheeks and instinctively whipped her head away from his softening puppy-dog eyes.

"Yeah! Tell us about yourself! How're you able to make so much ice and fire?" Mack grinned brightly with child-like excitement from what she saw and watched him inch closer.

"Not now, Mack." If Hyne had looked, she would've seen Hartford shoot a warning glare, which seemed to have done the trick since he awkwardly stepped back. "Anyway... Miss Hyne - I know it's you."

As soon as he said that, the entire room turned quiet for a solid minute.What?It felt like everything suddenly stopped. Disbelief, and astonishment, left her speechless as she froze in place and stared at the floor, taken aback.He knows my last name?! How?! When did he... WHAT?!Behind her helmet, her heterochromia eyes widened as large as softballs.How could he possibly know who I am when I've never introduced myself before?Thoughts panicked and raced, lengthening the quiet and anticipating atmosphere.

"I... Sort of discussed some things yesterday with the team. After everything had calmed and such..." Andrew attempted to grasp her shoulder again but stopped mere inches from it. If she had seen him, she would've been able to tell that he was debating whether or not to continue. "There was a woman I met before who had a motorcycle with the name Hyne on it. And when I watched the fight with Moltor against the Rangers, she appeared again and attacked a rogue in black and red armor... She fought well but threw a tantrum when he escaped." He paused, yet she hadn't moved, not even a centimeter.

"When she threw her eye mask off, she looked... Frustrated and then cried. It's not too difficult to understand who you are. Because - you were after the guy in the same kind of armor and you acted the same. Miss Hyne... Please. Remove your helmet, you don't have to hide anymore." His voice became softer, more sympathetic - an indication that he meant no harm by the knowledge he had of her.

Yet that didn't stop her from screaming, taking out her Stake, and aiming the Glaive end at his throat. Fury burned and made her limbs shake, to have her identity revealed like this drove her into an instinct that her old master had integrated into her mind. However, she couldn't do it. Her fingers grew whiter the tighter they became and no matter how much she tried to nick his skin, something deep within her subconscious held her back.

Had it not been for Andrew who lifted his hand and gestured toward the Rangers not to intervene, the kids would've jumped in and morphed. "Speak... Of this to anyone... And you're dead... DEAD! Do you hear me?! I don't need anyone to know who I am!" It scared her, no... It terrified her to know that people knew who she was and it drove her into an unending loop of conflicted emotions.What the h* do I do?! They know who I am! Should I wipe their memories somehow?! F-her thoughts swarmed like bees in a hive, she couldn't come up with any solution with how angry and frightened she was.

However, the goth was reluctant to lower the blade from his neck. All she saw was his bit of fear shift into sympathy and concern in his warm brown eyes. But what made her jolt and gasp, was when she felt a hand gently push her arm down. Slowly, to the side, she saw Mack worriedly watch her and make her blade leave his Dad's neck.

"It's fine... You're okay." The boy tried to reassure her. Everyone, besides the Red Ranger, sat back down and carefully watched her as if she was a Tiger Andrew was trying to tame. "We promise. We won't tell another soul." The subtle movement of his Adam's Apple told her he was trying not to show fear, instead, he was trying to show kindness and gentleness.

"Take off your helmet, it's fine. We saw your eyes... And besides – Ronny loves your music! She wanted you to come along with Tyzonn for this reason. It's because she wanted to talk to you and so did Mr. Hartford. You don't have to be afraid of-" Rose tenderly spoke near the end, with a kind smile, before she was cut off by a cry of frustration.

"Shut it! You don't know the meaning ofafraid, even if it bit you on the back of your neck!" Her Stake threateningly pointed at the group as she walked backward, creating distance.What is wrong with them?! I'm a rogue! A professional killer! I've killed so many! They have no idea what I am! A monster!Panicking would be an understatement at this point. Her continuous steps backward eventually brought her to the archway between the living room and another room.

"Did you... At least finish your Tea and Sandwich, Miss Hyne?" Spencer bowed with little to no signs of fear on his elderly face. However, the moment he asked, electricity sparked around her form and she was gone within a flash of blue light. The nasty crack it left behind was nothing compared to how blinding it was, so they had to shield themselves with their arms.

A lasting silence accompanied the faint ticking clock nearby when they stared at the spot she left. "Hmm. No one got hurt, or killed... I'd say it went pretty well, don't you agree, Sir?" The old man playfully smirked at Hartford, causing him to look in his direction with relief and a sigh.

~~
Even after some time passed, Iseldur was still shaken by the exposure. Her identity being revealed could potentially lead to her weakness and that isn't something she'd ever want to happen.

She spent ten minutes running away, mulling over the scary thought of it all.What if they do tell someone? People lie all the time!As she pondered, she thought back on the days with the woman in a mask.

Recalling the soft words she received:Iseldur. Remember... All living organisms are manipulative. They use each other regardless of their intentions. One must learn to lie, because - there will be times when your life will depend on it... You are growing stronger by the day, and now it's time for your Charisma to do the same.The woman's voice was as soft and kind as cotton on a comfortable day, with a hint of authority that carried an air of respect. The woman's gentle smile and cold but motherly eyes bore into her younger version's when her hand petted the top of her head.

Behind her helmet, her eyes blinked to force herself back to the present day.She will pay...A brief memory resurfaced when she thought about that day when she was on her side in a pool of her own blood. The cold but motherly eyes she once saw were replaced with heartlessness. A kind of gaze that held no more regard for her, as if she were mere trash being thrown away.

It couldn't be helped, for a stray tear escaped one of her eyes and got the inside of her helmet a little wet. The whole motherly facade for the rest of her childhood was just that, an act. There was something deeper, something she wanted answers for but all she could hear were those last words from her before Iseldur had passed out from too much blood loss.You were a mistake... You're a monster I have made and it is time I have slain it.Disgust and anger accompanied the tinge of fear in those dark eyes that loomed over her wounded form.

The goth's throat tightened and held back the need to cry. Those icy words echoed through her mind like in an echoing cave. "People lie all the time... All the time... All the time! Trust no one... Only trust yourself!" Through gritted teeth, she yelled and halted at, what she could assume, was a white science building. A large parking lot was on the side which led to some railed stairs.

There she saw the group of five colorful teens race down the steps and steeled her nerves to focus. She was quick to parkour and climb her way to the top of the building nearby. Leaping and flipping then catching one of the support bars before hauling herself to the roof.

Now she looked over the edge and watched the very same Fearcats approach the group. Their voices were loud enough to be echoed through the air since the science building wasn't surrounded by very many other structures. There wasn't anything to block their voices.

If they say they can handle themselves... Then so be it! But that won't stop me from stepping in and killing those damn cats when I can!She fumed on the inside and crouched to watch how they'd handle the fully grown adults.

"So – we meet again!" Mig's voice boomed across the large parking lot as the distant duo approached.

"I can't believe they're back!" The Red Ranger's astonishment was evident in his voice.

"This nine-lives thing is ridiculous!" Yelled the Blue Ranger, albeit nervously as the goth saw him look back at the others.

"We have more power now than ever!" As if on cue, Mig and his buddy jerked out their arms and released a shockwave powerful enough to make the Rangers tumble to the ground. The electricity it gave off hurt them bad enough that it caused them to cry out in pain.

Iseldur's fists clenched and accidentally let out a low grumble of displeasure. Seeing them get hurt wasn't something she liked, but she knew interfering would only make them lose their chance to prove themselves to her, that they could handle them.

When she saw the cats morph into something different, another irritated growl escaped. "Flurious made us stronger!" The orange cat who donned a new look, announced.

"Prepare to be destroyed!" It was Mig's turn to speak, announcing a victory that had yet to be won.

In they went, charging at the group and fighting them off. Over and over they fought, overwhelming the Rangers. One of the cars was later used as a projectile by one of the Fearcats when he kicked it, which was dodged by one of the Rangers.

This went on for a little while. The seismic green blast that erupted when he slammed his palm on the ground sent Ronny and Will away with an explosion behind them.

"See! They're worthless and weak!" Once Mig joined his buddy's side and pointed at them, he saw her on the roof of the building and would've grinned if he was able to. "Hey!~ What do you think of the new look? Impressive, right?" With arms outstretched to the sides and in the air, he fully faced her direction with steps covering mere inches and refusing to get too close to the Rangers.

She didn't say anything. The slow grab of her Stake blade's hilt was a silent threat that she was sure he could read. "When do you think we could have a little chat?" Mig tried again and placed his hands on his hips, puffing out his chest proudly.

"Let's go already! These Rangers are pathetic and you're going to give them an opening to make a move!" The orange cat nudged Mig's shoulder to snap him out of it.

"Right – Miss Assassin, we shall meet again!" With that, they leaped into the sky. Not without sending a few shots down at the Rangers for good measure and once they simultaneously landed they were about to walk away as if the job was done.

However, Mack stood and called for support. Large equipment was summoned and soon, several large beams of energy were shot from the Colossus Mech.

Once the Fearcats jumped away to avoid it, Will was next to summon his hovering vehicle. He too went down once he caught up with the cats, and Iseldur used her electricity to do the same and stood on the sidelines to continue watching.

It wasn't long before Tyzonn appeared in a new outfit. Black and orange, with a metal detector in his grasp.

Hyne observed the rest of the fight, with Mig trying to pose with arrogance on occasion to try and impress her but she simply ignored his sad attempt. Soon, the new Mecurian Ranger donned his silvery gear after sending a wave of power from his staff and morphing.

Later - he used his detector to scan for the whereabouts of the cats when they went underground. He leaped and shot at the surface to uproot them from their hiding spots.

"You may have won this time, but we'll be back!" The green cat and his buddy were both overwhelmed by Tyzonn's newly obtained power. Before they left, Iseldur saw the felines glance at Iseldur, as Mig gave her a flirtatious salute goodbye. With that, they leaped to the sky and retreated.

Everyone cheered for the blonde's victory nearby. "I'll be waiting." Confidence poured from the silvery Ranger before he chose to face his Team.

It wasn't long until Ronny ran past him, powered down, and looked at the goth who was up in a tree. Leaning against the base of it and standing on a thick branch with her arms crossed, she sighed.

"See?! We told you that we could do it!" The girl's excitement was written on her face - if the large smile and elated shine in her eyes didn't mean anything. "You watched us. You let us show you, so – thanks." The nod from the girl was soon accompanied by a few other nods from her friends.

They're persistent turds...A brief thought crossed her mind, that was until Mack powered down next and folded his arms.

"Yeah, thanks. We were able to show you what we could do. Even if we fall, we'll get back up and try again. It doesn't matter how many times we're brought to our knees." The boy explained which was soon followed up by a few nods from his friends when they powered down.

"Fine... But if they defeat you... I don't want to hear it." Anger and disapproval bellowed deep from her throat. Even though she was against the whole idea, it wasn't going to stop her from stepping in at times.I'll have to babysit on occasion, won't I?An eye twitched at the thought of it, but deep down, the steel wall around her heart had dented a centimeter or so

Without further ado, electricity sparked around her form, and a lightning crack echoed in the air; she was gone just like that. The blue flash caused them to shield their eyes, making it difficult for them to see. However, when their arms lowered, all Mack and the others did was giggle or smile.